3 out of 4 stars
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Wedding bells are ringing! Clive and Henrietta's special day is fast approaching. Nevertheless, before the ceremony, some important matters demand attention. Henrietta’s mother and younger siblings need a place to stay. They will need financial support. Henrietta’s grandfather assumes responsibility for the family. Will her mother, Martha, accept the aid? Or, will her pride drive her to reject any support and association with the family patriarch?
The wedding day arrives. The happy couple exchanged traditional vows. After the festivities, the newlyweds start their honeymoon. The last stop of their voyage is in England. They stay at Castle Linley with Clive's relatives. Peculiar events occur during this visit. Is Cousin Wallace acting strangely? Then, there is a murder in the village. Could Wallace be involved? Clive and Henrietta assist the Detective Inspector as he searches for the murderer.
A Promise Given, by Michelle Cox, is the third installment in the Henrietta and Inspector Howard Series. This book advances the relationship between Clive and Henrietta. The focus is on the wedding and the honeymoon abroad. There are some references to events in the previous books.
This volume develops the family situation. Readers learn about the dilemmas of each family member. Henrietta’s mother carries a deep grudge against her father. Elsie, her sister, must choose between two beaus. Then there is young Eugene. Why has grandfather enrolled him in a military academy? How will Wallace resolve his family situation? Readers will find plenty of material for future volumes in this new adventure.
I really enjoyed Henrietta’s character. Her development throughout the book was beautifully done. Her doubts and fears before the wedding are normal. Post-wedding she matures into a confident and loving wife. Clive develops as he learns to love and please his new wife. The romance between Clive and Henrietta is the true highlight of this story. The author portrays the romantic scenes in a tasteful and suitable manner. Clive and Henrietta also develop as a team. They work together to help their family and to stop crime.
I thought the dialogues were well developed. I found it easy to put myself into the conversations. The settings of Chicago and England in the 1930s are well described. The author exhibits a thorough knowledge of both regions.
The only thing I did not like about the book was the large cast of characters. It would have been helpful to have a family tree. It was difficult to remember all the different family members.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The large cast of characters became somewhat confusing. I truly enjoyed the sweet love story. This book is for readers who enjoy a romance that features a husband and wife detective team.
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A Promise Given
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